Brad Patton, co-owner and operator of Patton Farms, stands alongside his brother Jeff as equal partners in their farming endeavors.
With a legacy spanning five generations since their great-great-grandfather's arrival in 1835, Patton Farms, which includes around 3,000 acres based in Utica, remains a cornerstone of agricultural tradition in the region.
“I'm fifth generation, and my great great grandpa moved here in 1835,” Patton told Mount Vernon News.
Patton said the farming business is a rowing venture based on its hog operations.
Specializing in corn, beans, and wheat, the Pattons also contract to feed approximately 32,000 hogs annually for Heimerl Farms based in Johnstown.
Their farming operations are a year-round commitment.
“The hogs they are, morning and night,” Patton said. “So that's one of our biggest things we take care of year round. And then the other is mostly seasonal. Planting is pretty hectic, but that goes in about a month's time and then, harvest all around us, about two and a half months of pretty steady work and harvest.”
Patton, now 53, has dedicated his entire career to farming, working alongside his brother, two nephews, Caleb and Jason, and a hired hand.
In mid March Patton said the work involves getting machinery ready for the upcoming planting season.
“We're starting to get some stuff ready for planting,” he said.
As spring approaches, preparations for planting are underway, including maintenance on tractors and planters, and clearing fence rows and brush.
“We're not very busy with loading things right now, but usually we're loading things every week because we have five sites that we have pigs on,” he said.
Despite the current lull in loading activities, typically involving up to 13 or 14 semi loads per week, Patton must ensure barns are emptied before planting begins.
The hog farming venture began in 1997, initially starting with just one barn housing 1,100 pigs. Over the years, their operation has expanded significantly, now processing 32,000 pigs annually.
The pigs are sent for slaughter to various destinations, including Philadelphia and Michigan, showcasing the widespread reach of Patton Farms' products.
Through dedication, hard work and a commitment to family values, Patton and his brother have not only sustained but also grown their farming legacy, contributing to the agricultural heritage of central Ohio.
